On-demand torque engagement mechanism for second display adjustability

ABSTRACT

Technologies for a hinge for a dual-screen clamshell computing device include a hinge having a drive shaft and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is fixed to a member such as a secondary display housing of the computing device. The driven shaft is rotatably coupled to another member such as a base housing of the computing device. The hinge includes a one-way needle bearing fixed to the same member as the driven shaft. The driven shaft passes through the one-way needle bearing, which allows free rotation of the driven shaft in one direction and prevents rotation of the driven shaft in the other direction. The hinge includes a coupling joint that selectively couples the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The computing device includes a trigger that is operable to selectively engage and disengage the coupling joint of the hinge. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/232,140, entitled “ON-DEMAND TORQUE ENGAGEMENTMECHANISM FOR SECOND DISPLAY ADJUSTABILITY,” which was filed on Dec. 26,2018, and which claims the benefit of Indian Provisional PatentApplication No. 201841036163, filed Sep. 25, 2018.

BACKGROUND

Laptop computers, notebook computers, and other clamshell devices arepopular form factors for portable computing devices. Certain clamshelldevices include two display screens. For example, certaingaming-oriented laptops include dual display screens, with one screen inthe device lid and the other screen in the device base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The concepts described herein are illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity andclarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale. Where considered appropriate, referencelabels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding oranalogous elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of a dual-screencomputing device;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of at least one embodiment of a hinge of thedual-screen computing device of FIG. 1 in an engaged configuration;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of at least one embodiment of a hinge of thedual-screen computing device of FIG. 1 in a disengaged configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dual-screen computing device ofFIGS. 1-3 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the dual-screen computing device ofFIGS. 1-4 in an open configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dual-screen computing device ofFIGS. 1-5 with a secondary display housing being raised;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dual-screen computing device ofFIGS. 1-6 with the secondary display housing being lowered; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dual-screencomputing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof havebeen shown by way of example in the drawings and will be describedherein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is nointent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the presentdisclosure and the appended claims.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily includethat particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, suchphrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further,when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure,or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or notexplicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that itemsincluded in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” canmean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

The disclosed embodiments may be implemented, in some cases, inhardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosedembodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried by or storedon a transitory or non-transitory machine-readable (e.g.,computer-readable) storage medium, which may be read and executed by oneor more processors. A machine-readable storage medium may be embodied asany storage device, mechanism, or other physical structure for storingor transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., avolatile or non-volatile memory, a media disc, or other media device).

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown inspecific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should beappreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not berequired. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged ina different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures.Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in aparticular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required inall embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may becombined with other features.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4-7, a dual-screen computing device 100 isshown. The computing device 100 is illustratively a laptop computer;however, the computing device 100 may be embodied as any type ofcomputation or computer device capable of performing the functionsdescribed herein, including, without limitation, a computer, a notebookcomputer, a portable computer, a clamshell tablet computer, a mobilecomputing device, a gaming console, a network appliance, a webappliance, a processor-based system, and/or a consumer electronicdevice. Accordingly, the computing device 100 may include a processor,an input/output subsystem, a memory, a data storage device, acommunication subsystem, and/or other components and devices commonlyfound in a laptop computer or similar computing device. Of course, thecomputing device 100 may include other or additional components, such asthose commonly found in a laptop computer (e.g., various input/outputdevices), in other embodiments.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the computing device 100 includes aprimary screen housing 102, a secondary screen housing 104, and a basehousing 106. Each of the housings 102, 104, 106 may be embodied asmetal, plastic, or other structural components or members that supportand/or protect other internal and/or external components of thecomputing device 100. Each housing 102, 104, 106 may be coupled to aninternal frame, chassis, or other structural components (not shown) ormay be part of a unibody or other integrated chassis.

As shown, the primary screen housing 102 includes a primary displayscreen 108 and the secondary screen housing 104 includes a secondarydisplay screen 110. Each display screen 108, 110 may be embodied as anytype of display capable of displaying digital information, such as aliquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), a plasmadisplay, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or other type of display device. Eachdisplay screen 108, 110 may be used to display graphics, informationscreens, user interfaces, or other gaming information. In someembodiments, one or more of the display screens 108, 110 may alsoinclude a touchscreen or other input device to receive user input.

The illustrative base housing 106 includes a keyboard 112. It should beunderstood that in some embodiments, the base housing 106 may includeone or more additional or alternative user interface devices, such asone or more touch pads, touchscreens, buttons, joysticks, directionalpads, pointing sticks, trackballs, track pads, and/or other userinterface devices.

The computing device 100 further includes hinges 114 that couple theprimary screen housing 102 and the secondary display housing 104. Thehinges 114 allow the primary screen housing 102 to rotate relative tothe secondary display housing 104 about a pivot axis 116. The primaryscreen housing 102 may rotate in either direction 118 (i.e., toward thesecondary screen housing 104 or away from the secondary screen housing104). Each of the hinges 114 may be embodied as a torque hinge, frictionhinge, or other hinge that allows a user to open the primary screenhousing 102 to a desired position, after which the primary screenhousing 102 is held in that position. For example, the hinges 114 may beembodied as torque hinges requiring about 12 kgf·cm of torque forrotation.

The computing device 100 also includes a hinge 120 that couples thesecondary screen housing 104 to the base housing 106. One potentialembodiment of the hinge 120 is shown in FIGS. 2-3 and described furtherbelow. As shown, the hinge 120 allows the secondary screen housing 104to rotate relative to the base housing 106 about a pivot axis 122. Asdescribed further below, the secondary screen housing 104 may pivotfreely in a raising direction 124 toward the base housing 106. The hinge120 includes a selectively engageable locking function that preventsrotation of the secondary screen housing 104 in a lowering direction 126away from the base housing 106. Thus, when the locking function of thehinge 120 is engaged, the secondary screen housing 104 may be held in araised position without pivoting in the lowering direction 126. Thecomputing device 100 further includes a trigger 128 coupled to the hinge120. When the trigger 128 is operated by a user, the locking function ofthe hinge 120 is disengaged. When the locking function of the hinge 120is disengaged, the secondary screen housing 104 may pivot in thelowering direction 126. The trigger 128 is illustratively embodied as aspring-loaded pushbutton that, when pressed by the user, disengages thehinge 120 and, when released by the user, allows the hinge 120 tore-engage. In other embodiments, the trigger 128 may be embodied as anylever, control arm, or other device that allows the user to selectivelyengage and disengage the locking function of the hinge 120.

Thus, the computing device 100 may allow the user to easily articulateboth the primary display housing 102 and the secondary display housing104 to achieve ergonomic or otherwise desirable viewing angles of thedisplay screens 108, 110. The hinge 120 may be operated with relativelylow amounts of torque or other input forces, which may improve ease ofoperation and prevent damage to fragile display screens or othercomponents caused by excessive force. For example, a dual-screenclamshell device using typical torque hinges for both pivot axes mayrequire about 25 kgf·cm to hold the secondary screen, which may be abouttwice the amount of torque used in conventional single-screen clamshelldevices, with a shorter lever arm. Additionally, the hinge 120 mayprovide a high degree of fine adjustability.

Although the housing 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4-7 as connectingto each end of the secondary screen housing 104 and the base housing106, respectively, it should be understood that in some embodiments, thehinge 120 may be coupled to different positions on the housings 104,106. For example, in some embodiments the hinge 120 may attach to aposition in the middle of the base housing 106, allowing the basehousing 106 to extend underneath the secondary screen housing 104 (e.g.,to improve stability).

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, an embodiment of the hinge 120 is shown.FIG. 2 illustrates the hinge 120 when the locking function is engaged,and FIG. 3 illustrates the hinge 120 when the locking function isdisengaged. The hinge 120 includes a drive shaft 130 and a driven shaft132. The drive shaft 130 is fixed to the secondary screen housing 104.The shafts 130, 132 are joined by a coupling joint 134. The couplingjoint 134 is illustratively a Hirth joint. As shown, each of the shafts130, 132 includes a toothed end 136, 138, respectively. Each of thetoothed ends 136, 138 include multiple teeth, grooves, or otherserrations that mesh with the teeth of the other end. When the ends 136,138 are engaged together, the teeth interlock and the shafts 130, 132are mechanically connected. Although illustrated as a Hirth joint, itshould be understood that in other embodiments the coupling joint 134may be embodied as any joint that allows the shafts 130, 132 to beselectively engaged together.

The hinge 120 further includes a one-way needle bearing 140 that isfixed to the base housing 106. The driven shaft 132 passes through theone-way needle bearing 140. The one-way needle bearing 140 allows thedriven shaft 132 to rotate freely in one direction, illustratively inthe raising direction 124. The one-way needle bearing 140 does not allowthe driven shaft 132 to rotate in the other direction, illustrativelythe lowering direction 126. The one-way needle bearing 140 isillustratively a unidirectional needle bearing that includes multiplerollers within a race with a profiled surface. The rollers allow thedriven shaft 132 to rotate in the raising direction 124 with minimalfriction. When the driven shaft 132 is rotated in the lowering direction126, the profiled surface of the race causes the rollers to wedgeagainst the driven shaft 132, preventing rotation in the loweringdirection 126. Each roller may be coupled to a spring for instantaneouslockup, which may eliminate or reduce backplay.

As shown, the hinge 120 further includes a spring 142. The spring 142biases the driven shaft 132 against the drive shaft 130, causing thecoupling joint 134 to be normally engaged. As best shown in FIG. 3, adisengaging force 144 may work against the biasing force of the spring142 to disengage the coupling joint 134 by separating the toothed ends136, 138. When the coupling joint 134 is disengaged, the shafts 130, 132are no longer mechanically connected and may rotate independently. Notethat the disengaging force 144 is perpendicular to load forces of thecoupling joint 134, and thus a relatively low amount of force maydisengage the coupling joint 134. The disengaging force 144 isillustratively applied by the trigger 128. Additionally oralternatively, although illustrated as a spring 142, it should beunderstood that in some embodiments the hinge 120 may include adifferent biasing member that biases the coupling joint 134 to benormally engaged. For example, the hinge 120 may include a shape-memoryalloy (SMA) member that biases the coupling joint 134 to be normallyengaged. In that example, SMA member changes shape in response toapplication of an electrical current, which disengages the couplingjoint 134. When the electrical current ceases, the SMA member returns toits original shape, which engages the coupling joint 134.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, operation of the computing device 100including operation of the hinge 120 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4,the computing device 100 may be initially in a closed configuration. Asshown in FIG. 5, a user may open the computing device 100 by rotatingthe primary screen housing 102 in the direction 118 about the axis 116.As shown, after being opened the secondary screen housing 104 and thebase housing 106 may lie flat in the same plane, for example on atabletop (not shown). Thus, the computing device 100 may be usedsimilarly to a traditional laptop, notebook, or other single-hingeclamshell device.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user may raise the secondary screen housing 104in the raising direction 124, toward the base housing 106. As thesecondary screen housing 104 is raised, the drive shaft 130 rotates withthe secondary screen housing 104. The coupling joint 134 is engaged,causing the driven shaft 132 to rotate with the drive shaft 130. Thedriven shaft 132 rotates within the one-way bearing 140 in the raisingdirection 124. When the user stops raising the secondary screen housing104, the one-way bearing 140, fixed to the base housing 106, preventsrotation of the driven shaft 132 in the lowering direction 126.Accordingly, the secondary screen housing 104 is held in the positionselected by the user.

As shown in FIG. 7, the user may apply the disengaging force 144 to thetrigger 128. As described above, the disengaging force 144 disengagesthe coupling joint 134. The user may rotate the secondary screen housingin the lowering direction 126, for example toward the tabletop. As thesecondary screen housing 104 is lowered, the drive shaft 130 rotateswith the secondary screen housing 104. Because the coupling joint 134 isdisengaged, the drive shaft 130 rotates independently of the drivenshaft 132, allowing the secondary screen housing to rotate freely in thelowering direction 126.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a dual-screen computingdevice 200 is shown. As shown, and similar to the computing device 100of FIGS. 1-7, the computing device 200 includes a primary screen housing102, a secondary screen housing 104, and a base housing 106. The screenhousings 102, 104 include a primary display screen 108 and a secondarydisplay screen 110, respectively, and the base housing 106 includes akeyboard 112. Similar to the computing device 100, the computing device200 includes hinges 114 that couple the primary screen housing 102 andthe secondary display housing 104. The hinges 114 allow the primaryscreen housing 102 to rotate relative to the secondary display housing104 about a pivot axis 116 in either direction 118.

Also similar to the computing device 100, the computing device 200includes a hinge 120 that couples the secondary screen housing 104 andthe base housing 106, as described above in connection with FIGS. 2-3.As described above, the hinge 120 allows the secondary screen housing104 to rotate relative to the base housing 106 about a pivot axis 122.The hinge 120 allows the secondary screen housing 104 to pivot freely ina raising direction 124 toward the base housing 106, and includes aselectively engageable locking function that prevents rotation of thesecondary screen housing 104 in a lowering direction 126 away from thebase housing 106.

The illustrative hinge 120 of FIG. 8 includes a shape-memory alloy (SMA)biasing member 142. As described above, the SMA biasing member 142biases the coupling joint 134 to be normally engaged. The SMA biasingmember 142 changes shape in response to application of an electricalcurrent, which disengages the coupling joint 134. When the electricalcurrent ceases, the SMA biasing member 142 returns to its originalshape, which engages the coupling joint 134.

The computing device 200 further includes two touch sensors 202, 204.Each of the touch sensors 202, 204 may be embodied as any resistivesensor, capacitive sensor, mechanical switch, or other device thatsenses when a user touches the sensor 202, 204. In use, when a usertouches both touch sensors 202, 204 simultaneously, electrical currentis applied to the SMA biasing member 142. For example, touching bothtouch sensors 202, 204 may complete an electrical circuit, activate anelectrical switch or relay, or otherwise energize the SMA biasing member142 with electrical current. Thus, in use, a user may touch both sensors202, 204 (e.g., with fingers of one hand) and lower the secondary screenhousing 104 (e.g., with the other hand). Illustratively, the touchsensor 202 is positioned on the secondary screen housing 104 and thetouch sensor 204 is positioned on the base housing 106. However, itshould be understood that in other embodiments, the touch sensors 202,204 may be positioned in any location that is ergonomic or otherwiseconvenient for the user. Additionally or alternatively, it should beunderstood that the computing device 200 may include a different numberand/or arrangement of touch sensors.

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the technologies disclosed herein are providedbelow. An embodiment of the technologies may include any one or more,and any combination of, the examples described below.

Example 1 includes a portable computing device for interactivecomputing, the portable computing device comprising: a secondary screenhousing that includes a display screen; a base housing; a hingerotationally coupled between the secondary screen housing and the basehousing, wherein the hinge comprises: a first shaft fixedly coupled tothe secondary screen housing; a second shaft rotationally coupled to thebase housing; a one-way needle bearing fixedly coupled to the basehousing, wherein the second shaft passes through the one-way needlebearing, and wherein the one-way needle bearing allows the second shaftto freely rotate in a first direction, and wherein the one-way needlebearing prevents rotation of the second shaft in a second direction; anda coupling joint that selectively couples the first shaft and the secondshaft; and a trigger that is operable to selectively engage anddisengage the coupling joint of the hinge.

Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, and wherein thecoupling joint comprises a Hirth joint.

Example 3 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 and 2, andwherein the coupling joint comprises a first toothed end coupled to thefirst shaft and a second toothed end coupled to the second shaft,wherein the first toothed end mechanically engages the second toothedend when the coupling joint is engaged.

Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-3, andwherein the hinge further comprises a biasing member coupled to thecoupling joint, wherein the biasing member biases the coupling joint tobe engaged.

Example 5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-4, andwherein the biasing member comprises a spring.

Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-5, andwherein the trigger comprises lever that mechanically operates againstthe spring to disengage the coupling joint.

Example 7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-6, andwherein the biasing member comprises a shape-memory alloy member.

Example 8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-7, andwherein the trigger comprises an electrical switch that is operable toselectively energize the shape-memory alloy member to disengage thecoupling joint.

Example 9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-8, andfurther comprising a first touch sensor and a second touch sensor,wherein the electrical switch energizes the shape-memory alloy inresponse to the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor beingsimultaneously touched by a user of the portable computing device.

Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-9, andwherein the secondary screen housing comprises the first touch sensorand the base housing comprises the second touch sensor.

Example 11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-10, andfurther comprising: a primary screen housing that includes a seconddisplay screen; and a second hinge rotationally coupled between theprimary screen housing and the secondary screen housing, wherein thesecond hinge allows rotation of the primary screen housing relative tothe second display screen housing about a second pivot axis in a firstrotational direction and a second rotational direction.

Example 12 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-11, andwherein the base housing comprises a user input device.

Example 13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-12, andwherein the user input device comprises a keyboard, a touchscreen, or atouchpad.

Example 14 includes a hinge for rotationally coupling a first member anda second member, the hinge comprising: a first shaft fixedly coupled tothe first member; a second shaft rotationally coupled to the secondmember; a one-way needle bearing fixedly coupled to the second member,wherein the second shaft passes through the one-way needle bearing, andwherein the one-way needle bearing allows the second shaft to freelyrotate in a first rotational direction, and wherein the one-way needlebearing prevents rotation of the second shaft in a second rotationaldirection; a coupling joint that selectively couples the first shaft andthe second shaft, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft arerotationally fixed when the coupling joint is engaged, and wherein thefirst shaft and the second shaft are rotationally independent when thecoupling joint is disengaged; and a trigger that is operable toselectively engage and disengage the coupling joint.

Example 15 includes the subject matter of Examples 14, and wherein thecoupling joint comprises a Hirth joint.

Example 16 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 14 and 15, andwherein the coupling joint comprises a first toothed end coupled to thefirst shaft and a second toothed end coupled to the second shaft,wherein the first toothed end mechanically engages the second toothedend when the coupling joint is engaged.

Example 17 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 14-16, andfurther comprising a biasing member coupled to the coupling joint,wherein the biasing member biases the coupling joint to be engaged.

Example 18 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 14-17, andwherein the trigger comprises a lever that mechanically operates againstthe biasing member to disengage the coupling joint.

Example 19 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 14-18, andwherein the biasing member comprises a shape-memory alloy member.

Example 20 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 14-19, andwherein the trigger comprises an electrical switch that is operable toselectively energize the shape-memory alloy member to disengage thecoupling joint.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A housing for a portable computing device,the housing comprising: a secondary screen housing to contain a displayscreen; a base housing; a hinge rotationally coupled between thesecondary screen housing and the base housing, the hinge including: afirst shaft fixedly coupled to the secondary screen housing, a secondshaft rotationally coupled to the base housing, a one-way needle bearingfixedly coupled to the base housing, the second shaft passing throughthe one-way needle bearing, the one-way needle bearing allowing thesecond shaft to freely rotate in a first direction, the one-way needlebearing preventing rotation of the second shaft in a second direction,and a coupling joint that selectively couples the first shaft and thesecond shaft; and a trigger that is operable to selectively engage anddisengage the coupling joint of the hinge.
 2. The housing of claim 1,wherein the coupling joint includes a Hirth joint.
 3. The housing ofclaim 1, wherein the coupling joint includes a first toothed end coupledto the first shaft and a second toothed end coupled to the second shaft,the first toothed end to mechanically engage the second toothed end whenthe coupling joint is engaged.
 4. The housing of claim 1, wherein thehinge further includes a biasing member coupled to the coupling joint,the biasing member to bias the coupling joint to be engaged.
 5. Thehousing of claim 4, wherein the biasing member includes a spring.
 6. Thehousing of claim 5, wherein the trigger includes a lever thatmechanically operates against the spring to disengage the couplingjoint.
 7. The housing of claim 4, wherein the biasing member includes ashape-memory alloy member.
 8. The housing of claim 7, wherein thetrigger includes an electrical switch that is operable to selectivelyenergize the shape-memory alloy member to disengage the coupling joint.9. The housing of claim 8, further including a first touch sensor and asecond touch sensor, the electrical switch to energize the shape-memoryalloy member in response to the first touch sensor and the second touchsensor being simultaneously touched by a user of the housing.
 10. Thehousing of claim 9, wherein the secondary screen housing includes thefirst touch sensor and the base housing includes the second touchsensor.
 11. The housing of claim 1, further including: a primary screenhousing to contain a second display screen; and a second hingerotationally coupled between the primary screen housing and thesecondary screen housing, the second hinge to allow rotation of theprimary screen housing relative to the second display screen housingabout a second pivot axis in a first rotational direction and a secondrotational direction.
 12. The housing of claim 1, wherein the basehousing is to contain a user input device.
 13. The housing of claim 12,wherein the user input device includes at least one of a keyboard, atouchscreen, or a touchpad.
 14. A housing for a portable computingdevice, the housing comprising: a secondary screen housing to contain adisplay screen; a base housing; hinge means coupled between thesecondary screen housing and the base housing; and a trigger that isoperable to selectively engage and disengage a locking function of thehinge means, wherein the hinge means is to: allow the secondary screenhousing to rotate relative to the base housing about a pivot axis in afirst direction when the locking function is engaged; prevent thesecondary screen housing from rotating relative to the base housingabout the pivot axis in a second direction when the locking function isengaged; and allow the secondary screen housing to rotate in the firstdirection when the locking function is disengaged.
 15. The housing ofclaim 14, wherein the first direction is toward the base housing and thesecond direction is away from the base housing.
 16. The housing of claim14, further including: a primary screen housing to contain a seconddisplay screen; and second hinge means coupled between the primaryscreen housing and the secondary screen housing, the second hinge meansto allow rotation of the primary screen housing relative to the seconddisplay screen housing about a second pivot axis in a first rotationaldirection and a second rotational direction.
 17. The housing of claim14, wherein the trigger includes a lever that mechanically engages anddisengages the locking function of the hinge means.
 18. The housing ofclaim 14, wherein the trigger includes an electrical switch that isoperable to engage and disengage the locking function of the hingemeans.
 19. The housing of claim 14, wherein the base housing is tocontain a user input device.
 20. The housing of claim 19, wherein thebase housing is to contain a user input device that includes at leastone of a keyboard, a touchscreen, or a touchpad.